Hello birding-ausers
I have recently been employed by NPWS as a shorebird recovery coordinator
for the south coast area. This is one of two positions created by NPWS to
try and address some of the problems facing our shorebirds especially those
that choose to nest on south coast NSW beaches.
The bird of major concern is the HOODED PLOVER of which the latest
Australian Wader Study Group estimates has a population of less than 50
birds in NSW. This is way under the carrying capacity of our beaches and is
due mainly to a lack of suitable nesting areas. (ie free from predators,
trampling by humans and rogue dogs). Every holidays thousands of people
converge on the coastline causing havoc for our nesting shorebirds.
My aim is to locate the remaining HOODED PLOVERS on the south coast, assess
whether they are attempting to breed and then providing them with some
protection if needed. Protection can range from a low key fence to prevent
trampling or an electric fence to exclude foxes and dogs as well as over
curious humans. I'm also looking at setting up a warden system, whereby
local people and/or holiday makers can keep watch over the birds, collect
data and educate others on the plight of our shorebirds.
The situation for the HOODED PLOVER in NSW is desperate. The time has come
to implement active management strategies otherwise we may loose this bird
in NSW forever.
If you have seen any HOODED PLOVERS on the south coast, please let me know.
I know of only 5 birds between Jervis Bay and Batemans Bay. I would also be
interested in any sightings of PIED OYSTERCATCHERS, especially if they are
hanging around sand dunes. Also any sightings of colour banded SOOTY
OYSTERCATCHERS would be great. Please don't search for nests, as nests are
so well camouflaged that you run the possibility of finding the nest with
your foot before your eyes.
So if you live on the south coast of NSW or are planning a holiday this
summer keep an eye out and help save these spectacular birds. Better still
if you are interested in becomming a warden. Even for a couple of days over
the holidays that would be great. I have set up a protected site at Lake
Conjola and already little terns, red-capped plovers, pied oystercatchers
and HOODED PLOVERS have begun nesting, despite the hundreds of people who
visit the lake. It's amazing how quickly the birds "realise" where the safe
area is.
PLEASE send any info to ulladulla.npws.nsw.gov.au or to my private email.
Thankyou
Mike Jarman
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